Vacuum demand valve

ABSTRACT

A vacuum demand valve for delivering a flowable material is disclosed. The valve has a housing having a proximal end, a distal end, an intermediate segment therebetween defining a passageway wherein the flowable substance can flow from the proximal end to the distal end. The housing can be a tubing. A valve member is located along the intermediate segment. The valve member has a closed condition wherein the flow of the flowable material from the proximal end to the distal end is stopped and an open condition wherein the flow of the flowable material from the proximal end to the distal end is unstopped. The valve member is biased in the closed condition and is responsive to a partial vacuum provided by the user through the passageway for placing the valve member in the open condition.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates generally to valves used inconjunction with fluid containers or tubing, and more specifically to avacuum demand valve associated with a fluid container or within atubing.

BACKGROUND PRIOR ART

[0002] In the medical field, beneficial agents are often delivered topatients through polymeric tubing. When the quantity of the beneficialagents must be tightly controlled, the beneficial agents are typicallydelivered intravenously via the tubing and regulated by a precisionpump. Many times, however, the quantities of the beneficial agentsintroduced into the patient do not need to be tightly controlled. Inthese instances, the beneficial agents are typically introduced to thepatient orally.

[0003] Oral administration of the beneficial agents is also accomplishedvia polymeric tubing. To transfer the beneficial agent from a containerto the patient, one end of a length of tubing is brought into contactwith the beneficial agent while the other end of the tubing is insertedinto the patient's mouth. The patient then provides the vacuum pressurerequired to draw the beneficial agent from the container, through thetubing, and into the patient's mouth.

[0004] There are drawbacks associated with this method of delivery. Forinstance, patients are often sedated or medicated with drugs that causedrowsiness. Post-operative drowsiness caused by the effects ofanesthesia is also a common occurrence. Thus, patients often drift intoan involuntary unconscious state as a result of the drowsiness. Thisoften occurs during oral administration of the beneficial agent wherethe patient is providing the vacuum pressure necessary to draw thebeneficial agent from its container.

[0005] When the patient drifts into unconsciousness, the beneficialagent is typically spilled causing an undesirable waste. In addition,the mess caused by the spill must be attended to by hospital staff. Manytimes, the patient's gown must be changed; the bedding must be replaced;and the floor in the surrounding area must be mopped. This is verycostly to the hospital as it depletes supplies and, more important, tiesup hospital staff who ordinarily would be attending to more worthwhiletasks.

[0006] Similar problems are also experienced with fluid containers ingeneral. For example, spillage problems are also associated with fluidcontainers commonly used to contain water, soft drinks, sports drinks,alcoholic beverages and the like. A suitable closure for such containershas not been developed that can address spillage problems while stillbeing easy to use and economical to manufacture. Similar problems mayalso be experienced with other types of fluid containers used inindustry and various mechanical arts such as engines and the like. Forexample, one is familiar with the problems arising with fluid spills inan industrial setting, wherein the spill of a caustic or dangerouschemical causes significant clean-up expense as well as, placing workersin a potentially hazardous position.

[0007] The present invention is provided to solve these and otherproblems.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0008] The present invention provides a vacuum demand valve capable ofdispensing a flowable material. In one preferred embodiment, the vacuumdemand valve is attached to fluid container.

[0009] It is an object of the present invention to provide a tubingcomprising a valve member openable by an external force supplied by auser. The tubing generally comprises a sidewall, a proximal end, adistal end, an intermediate segment, and a valve member. The sidewallincludes an inner wall and an outer wall. The inner wall defines apassageway adapted for transfer of a fluid substance. The intermediatesegment is located between the proximal end and the distal end. Thevalve member is located along the intermediate segment and has a closedcondition wherein a flow of the fluid substance from the proximal end tothe distal end is stopped and an open condition wherein the fluidsubstance is allowed to flow from the proximal end to the distal end.The valve member is biased in the closed condition and is responsive tothe external force provided by the user for placing the valve member inthe open condition.

[0010] It is a further object of the present to provide a tubing havinga valve member which includes a diaphragm. The valve member alsoincludes a port and a plunger. The diaphragm is responsive to anexternal force supplied by the user, and a movement of the diaphragm inresponse to the external force places the valve member in an opencondition. The plunger has a first end joined to the diaphragm and asecond end extending from the lower surface of the diaphragm. The secondend of the plunger substantially plugs the port when the valve member isin a closed condition.

[0011] It is a further object of the present invention to provide atubing having a valve member which includes a pore. The pore has adilating central portion. The dilating central portion is responsive tothe external force and substantially sealed in the closed condition. Thedilating central portion expands or widens to allow the flow of fluidsubstance to pass therethrough.

[0012] It is a further object of the present invention to provide atubing having a valve member which utilizes a poppet, spool, or plunger.The valve member also includes a plunger housing. The plunger is locatedwithin the plunger housing and forms a substantially fluid-tight sealtherewith. The plunger is slidable within the plunger housing inresponse to an external force provided by a user.

[0013] It is further an object of the present invention to provide atubing having a valve member which includes a flexible bladder. Theflexible bladder is responsive to the external force supplied by theuser. In the closed condition, the flexible bladder forms asubstantially fluid-tight seal with a portion of the valve member. Thevalve member also includes a retainer extending inwardly from the innerwall of the tubing. The retainer has flow holes to allow the fluidsubstance to flow therethrough. A portion of the bladder is joined tothe retainer.

[0014] It is further an object of the present invention to provide atubing having a valve member which includes a mechanical gate. The valvemember has a port located within the passageway, a gate responsive tothe external force provided by the user, a vacuum chamber, and a ventlocated within the vacuum chamber. The gate has a first portionseparated from a second portion by a hinge member. The first portion isbiased to form a substantially fluid-tight seal in the port. The secondportion is biased to form the vacuum chamber within the passageway. Thehinge member is moveably attached to a portion of the sidewall.

[0015] Other features and advantages of the invention will be apparentfrom the following specification taken in conjunction with the followingdrawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the inventionattached to a fluid container;

[0017]FIG. 2 is a side view of the valve member of FIG. 1 in the closedcondition;

[0018]FIG. 3 is a side view of the valve member of FIG. 1 in the opencondition;

[0019]FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the inventionattached to a fluid container;

[0020]FIG. 5 is a side view of the valve member of FIG. 4 in the closedcondition;

[0021]FIG. 6 is a side view of alternate valve member utilizing adiaphragm in the closed condition;

[0022]FIG. 7 is a side view of the valve member of FIG. 4 in the opencondition;

[0023]FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the invention;

[0024]FIG. 9 is a side view of the valve member of FIG. 8 in the closedcondition;

[0025]FIG. 10 is a view of the valve member of FIG. 8 taken along A-A ofFIG. 9;

[0026]FIG. 11 is a view of the valve member of FIG. 8 taken along B₁-B₁of FIG. 9;

[0027]FIG. 12 is a side view of the valve member of FIG. 8 in the opencondition;

[0028]FIG. 13 is a view of the valve member of FIG. 8 taken along B₂-B₂of FIG. 12;

[0029]FIG. 14 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the inventionattached to a fluid container;

[0030]FIG. 15 is a side view of the valve member of FIG. 14 in theclosed condition;

[0031]FIG. 16 is a side view of the valve member of FIG. 14 in the opencondition;

[0032]FIG. 17 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the inventionattached to a fluid container;

[0033]FIG. 18 is a side view of the valve member of FIG. 17 in theclosed condition;

[0034]FIG. 19 is a view of the valve member of FIG. 17 taken along A-Aof FIG. 18;

[0035]FIG. 20 is a side view of the valve member of FIG. 17 in the opencondition;

[0036]FIG. 21 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the inventionattached to a fluid container;

[0037]FIG. 22 is a side view of the valve member of FIG. 21 in theclosed condition;

[0038]FIG. 23 is a side view of the valve member of FIG. 21 in the opencondition;

[0039]FIG. 24 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the inventionattached to a fluid container;

[0040]FIG. 25 is a side view of the valve member of FIG. 24 in theclosed condition; and

[0041]FIG. 26 is a side view of the valve member of FIG. 24 in the opencondition.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0042] While this invention is susceptible of embodiments in manydifferent forms, there are shown in the drawings and will herein bedescribed in detail, preferred embodiments of the invention with theunderstanding that the present disclosures are to be considered asexemplifications of the principles of the invention and are not intendedto limit the broad aspects of the invention to the embodimentsillustrated.

[0043] Referring initially to FIGS. 1-26, a vacuum demand valve ofpresent invention is disclosed, generally referred to with the referencenumeral 10. In one preferred embodiment, the valve 10 may be embodied ina tubular structure and may be referred to as a tubing 10. The valve ortubing 10, which in one embodiment, could be a medical tubing 10,generally comprises an elongated sidewall 12, a proximal end 14, adistal end 16, an intermediate segment 18, and a valve member 20. Thetubing 10 can generally be considered a housing of the valve. Theelongated sidewall 12 has an inner wall 22 which defines a passageway 24through which a flow of a flowable material, or fluid substance cantravel. The intermediate segment 18 joins the proximal end 14 with thedistal end 16. The distal end 16 is adapted for insertion into a user'smouth while the proximal end 14 is generally adapted for connection to acontainer. In one embodiment, the container can be a polymeric medicalcontainer 20 as shown, for example, in FIG. 1. It is understood,however, that the proximal end 14 can be connected to a further lengthof a medical tubing or inserted directly into a fluid carrying containerwithout departing from the spirit of the present invention. It shouldfurther be understood that the valve members 20 disclosed herein may beintegrated directly with a fluid container. It should further beunderstood that the valves or components thereof disclosed herein may beproduced from a flexibly polymeric material, such as the polymericmaterials that are typically used in the production of medical tubingand containers.

[0044] The valve member 20 is generally located within the intermediatesegment 18 of the tubing 10 and regulates the flow of the fluidsubstance through the passageway 24 from the proximal end 14 to thedistal end 16. The valve member 20 is biased in a closed condition(shown in, for example, FIG. 2) wherein the flow of the fluid substancethrough the passageway 24 is blocked or stopped by a portion of thevalve member 20. An external force provided by a user actuates the valvemember 20 from the closed condition to an open condition (shown, forexample, in FIG. 3) so that an obstruction or restriction is removedfrom the passageway 24, and the fluid substance is allowed to flowthrough the demand valve 10 or tubing 10. The external force applied canbe a partial vacuum pressure applied through the passageway 24. Thevacuum pressure is preferably applied by the user drawing inward on thedistal end 16 of the medical tubing, by mouth, similar to the manner inwhich a person would use a straw. Alternatively, it is also contemplatedthat the user may provide a positive force to a portion of the valvemember 20 which would transfer the valve member 20 from the closedcondition to the open condition. In either case, when the external forceis removed from the valve member 20, the obstruction or restriction isrestored, and the valve member 20 automatically returns to the closedcondition. It is further understood that the partial vacuum can also beapplied by a syringe, a pump, or other mechanical means.

[0045] The biasing of the valve member 20 is particularly beneficial.When the user requires a flow of the fluid substance, for example water,medicine, or any flowable material or the like, the user applies theexternal force to a portion of the valve member 20 to actuate the flowthrough the passageway to the user's mouth. Once the external force isinterrupted, the flow is stopped. This is useful because for example, ina medical setting, patients can fall asleep during the administration ofthe fluid substance. If the flow is not automatically interrupted, itcan continue to flow through the passageway 24. Thus, the fluidsubstance is wasted, and a mess is created which often requires theuser's gown to be changed, the bedding to be changed, and/or the floorin the surrounding area to be mopped. These occurrences can tie upcostly hospital resources or simply be a housekeeping nuisance.

[0046] Referring to FIGS. 1-3, one form of the vacuum demand valve 10 isdisclosed. The valve has a valve member 20 which utilizes a diaphragm30. In this embodiment, the valve member 20 comprises a flexiblediaphragm 30. The valve 10 further has a housing 11 having first andsecond retainers 32,34, or upper and lower retainers 32, 34. Theretainers 32,34 are spaced to define an intermediate chamber 31 in thehousing 11. A vent hole 38 is provided in the housing. The housing 11has an outlet chamber 23 defining an outlet opening 25. The housing 11further has an inlet chamber 27 defining an inlet opening 29. The valve10 further has a plunger 36. The flexible diaphragm 30 is responsive tothe external force provided by the user to acuate the valve member 20from the closed condition (shown in FIG. 2) to the open condition (shownin FIG. 3).

[0047] The flexible diaphragm 30 extends inwardly into the passageway 24from the inner wall 22 of the sidewall 12 and into the intermediatechamber 31. The diaphragm 30 has an upper surface 40 and a lower surface42. An outer peripheral portion 44 of the flexible diaphragm 30 isattached to the inner wall 22 so that the flexible diaphragm 30 ismoveable either downstream towards the proximal end 14 or upstreamtowards the distal end 16. The flexible diaphragm 30 has a centralopening 43 through which the plunger 36 is inserted. The flexiblediaphragm 30 is fixedly connected to the plunger 36 so that the movementof the flexible diaphragm 30 either upstream or downstream istransferred directly to the plunger 36.

[0048] The upper retainer 32 is located upstream of the flexiblediaphragm 30 toward the distal end 16. The upper retainer 32 extendsinwardly into the passageway 24 from the inner wall 22 of the sidewall12 of the housing and has an upper surface 46 and a lower surface 48.The plunger 36 passes through a central opening 50 in the upper retainer32. The plunger 36 is slidable within the central opening 50; however,at least a substantially fluid-tight seal is formed between the plunger36 and the central opening 50.

[0049] The vent 38 is located between the flexible diaphragm 30 and theupper retainer 32. The vent 38 passes through the sidewall 12 of themedical tubing 10 and allows a positive pressure to build between theupper retainer 32 and the flexible diaphragm 30, thus actuating thevalve member 20 from the closed condition to the open condition.

[0050] The lower retainer 34 is located downstream of the flexiblediaphragm 30 toward the proximal end 14. The lower retainer 34 issimilar to the upper retainer 32. Accordingly, the lower retainer 34extends inwardly into the passageway 24 from the inner wall 22 of thesidewall 12 of the medical tubing 10 and has an upper surface 52 and alower surface 54. The plunger 36 passes through a central opening 56 inthe lower retainer 34. The plunger 36 is slidable within the centralopening 56 of the lower retainer 34, and at least a substantiallyfluid-tight seal is formed between the plunger 36 and the centralopening 56.

[0051] The plunger 36 is generally an elongated cylindrical memberhaving first and second ends 58, 60, a portion of each is disposedwithin the central openings 50, 56 of the upper and lower retainers 32,34 respectively. The second end 60 includes a head portion 62 which actsas a stop to prevent the second end 60 from being completely withdrawnfrom the lower retainer 34.

[0052] The plunger 36 also includes a fluid flow through passage 64 anda vacuum passage 66. The flow through passage 64 acts as a port whichtransfers the fluid substance from the proximal end 14 through theplunger 36 to the distal end 16 of the medical tubing 10. Accordingly,the flow through passage 64 has an outlet 68 located at the first end 58of the plunger 36 and an inlet 70 located at the second end 60 of theplunger 36. The inlet 70 is sealed against or obstructed by a portion ofthe lower retainer 34, or second retainer 34, when the valve member 20is in the closed condition.

[0053] The vacuum passage 66 transfers a vacuum pressure provided by theuser through the plunger 36 to a vacuum chamber 72. The vacuum passage66, thus, has an inlet 74 located at the first end 58 of the plunger 36and an outlet 76 located within the vacuum chamber 72.

[0054] In use, the user draws in on the distal end 16 of the medicaltubing 10. The vacuum pressure created by the drawing in action istransferred through the vacuum passage 66 to the vacuum chamber 72. Asshown in FIG. 3, the flexible diaphragm 30 is drawn downstream towardsthe proximal end 14 of the medical tubing 10. The plunger 30 movesdownstream with the diaphragm 30 so that the inlet 70 of the fluid flowthrough passage 64 is released from the seal created with a portion ofthe lower retainer 34, and the fluid substance is free to flow from theproximal end 14 to the distal end 16 via the fluid flow through passage64. When the vacuum pressure is released, the diaphragm 30 returns toits original position, and the fluid flow through passage 64 is resealedagainst a portion of the lower retainer 34.

[0055] It is understood that with the vent 38, the diaphragm 30 issubject to an index pressure PI. In one form of the invention, the indexpressure PI could be ambient pressure. A partial vacuum, represented bya pressure P2 (FIG. 3), can be applied by a user to draw the diaphragm30 and open the valve 10.

[0056] A second embodiment of the valve 10 or tubing 10 is illustratedin FIGS. 4-7. This embodiment also comprises a flexible diaphragm. Theflexible diaphragm of this embodiment differs from the flexiblediaphragm of the first embodiment in that it can be actuated by anexternal force provided by the user which takes the form of a vacuumpressure or, alternatively, a positive pressure.

[0057] The valve 10 has a housing 81 defining a passageway between anoutlet opening and an inlet opening. The housing has an inner wall 83.The valve member 20 of this embodiment includes a port 80, or inneropening 80 through the inner wall. The inner wall 83 divides thepassageway into a first chamber and a second chamber. The valve 10 alsohas a spring-loaded diaphragm 82 that fits within an aperture of thehousing. The diaphragm 82 is responsive to an external force provided bythe user, and a plunger 84. The port 80 is positioned between theproximal end 14 and the distal end 16 of the medical tubing 10 and isthe portion of the valve member 20 through which the fluid substancemust travel to be delivered to the user.

[0058] The diaphragm 82 has an upper surface 86 and a lower surface 88and is mounted within an aperture 90 formed in the sidewall 12 of themedical tubing so that a fluid-tight seal is formed between an outerperipheral portion 92 of the diaphragm 82 and the sidewall 12. Thediaphragm 82 is dome-shaped. A portion of the diaphragm 82 extendsinwardly into the passageway 24 from the inner wall 22 of the sidewall12 of the medical tubing 10. The diaphragm 82 is moveable inwardly fromthe sidewall 12 and into the passageway 24 in response to either avacuum pressure provided by the user by withdrawing on the distal end 16of the medical tubing 10 or by providing a positive pressure to theupper surface 86 of the diaphragm 82 with, for example, the user'sfingers.

[0059] The plunger 84, or stop, extends inwardly from the lower surface88 of the diaphragm 82 into the passageway 24. In this embodiment, theplunger 84 is integral with the diaphragm 82 so that it is actually aportion of the diaphragm 82. Thus, the movement of the diaphragm 82 istransferred to the plunger 84. The diaphragm 82 is biased so that aportion of the plunger 84 at least substantially seals the port 80 sothe fluid substance cannot flow therethrough.

[0060] The plunger 84 is generally an elongated cylindrical memberhaving first and second ends 94, 96. The plunger is tapered along itslength. The second end 96 includes a head portion 98 which acts as astop, plug, obstruction, or restriction within the port 80 to preventthe flow of fluid substance from flowing through the port 80 when thevalve member 20 is in the closed condition.

[0061] In use, when a user desires the fluid substance to be deliveredto his/her mouth, the user can draw inward on the distal end 16 of themedical tubing 10. An outer surface of the diaphragm may be subject toan index pressure. In one preferred embodiment, the index pressure maybe ambient pressure. A partial vacuum, represented by P2 in FIG. 7, actson a portion of the diaphragm 82. The diaphragm 82 is deflectableinwardly from the sidewall 12 into the passageway 24. Likewise, theplunger 84 moves inwardly and the stop, plug, obstruction, orrestriction is removed from the port 80, and the fluid substance isallowed to flow therethrough.

[0062] Alternatively, the user can provide a positive pressure to theupper surface 86 of the diaphragm 82. The positive pressure forces thediaphragm 82 inwardly into the passageway 24. Again, the plunger 84 isforced inwardly, and the stop, plug, obstruction, or restriction isremoved from the port 80, and the fluid is allowed to flow therethrough.

[0063]FIG. 6 shows a slightly alternative embodiment of the diaphragm 82and the inner wall 83. The inner opening of the inner wall 83 has atapered inner surface. The diaphragm 82 has a stop having a curvedperipheral surface. This surface is spaced from the tapered innersurface of the opening when the diaphragm 82 is in the second positionor deflected position.

[0064] Another embodiment of the valve 10 is illustrated in FIGS. 8-13.In this embodiment, the valve member 20 comprises a duckbill mechanism.The valve member 20 of this embodiment may also be placed in the opencondition either via a vacuum pressure or a positive pressure exerted onthe sidewall 12 of the medical tubing 10.

[0065] The valve member 20 of the embodiment of FIGS. 8 through 13comprises a pore member 100. The pore member 100 has a central portion102 which dilates when the valve member 20 is in the open condition. Thecentral portion 102 is at least substantially sealed in the closedcondition and responsive to the external force provided by the userwherein the dilating central portion 102 expands to allow the flow offluid substance to pass therethrough.

[0066] The central portion 102 includes an inwardly tapered, flexibleduckbill 104. The inwardly tapered, flexible duckbill 104 has a hingeportion 106 joined to the sidewall 12 of the medial tubing 10 and aseparable slit 108 located within the passageway 24 and apart from theinner wall 22. The separable slit 108 is at least substantially sealedwhen the valve member 20 is in the closed condition. The valve member 20is responsive to a deflection in the sidewall to open the valve member.

[0067] The hinge portion 106 is responsive to an external force appliedby a user to the sidewall 12 and preferably in an area proximate thehinge portion 106. When the external force is applied, a portion of theinwardly, tapered flexible duckbill 104 is displaced inwardly into thepassageway 24. The separable slit 108 parts to allow the flow of fluidsubstance to pass therethrough.

[0068] To operate the valve member 20 by a vacuum pressure, the userapplies a vacuum pressure to the distal end 16. A pair of supportmembers 110 extend upstream from the valve member 20 towards the distalend 16 of the tubing 10. The support members 110 act as spacers toprevent the tubing 10 from collapsing on itself in response to a vacuumpressure supplied by the user to the distal end 16. The vacuum pressurecauses the sidewalls 12 to collapse and, in turn, causes the separableslit 108 to open to allow the flow of fluid as shown in FIG. 12.

[0069] Further, the valve member 20 is positioned in the passageway inan intermediate portion of the housing. A first support member attachedto the inner sidewall surface and extends along a portion of thehousing. The support member is coactive with the deflection of thesidewall to control the opening of the valve member. The support membercomprises a rib. The rib extends from proximate the proximal end toproximate the valve member. The valve 10 could also have a secondsupport member. The housing can have a substantially circularcross-sectional shape and wherein the second support member iscircumferentially spaced from the first support member. The rib can havea generally arcuate longitudinal-sectional shape. The rib increases inheight from a minimum height to a maximum height and wherein the maximumheight is proximate the proximal end. The rib has lateral edges thattaper inwardly and upwardly as the rib extends away from the innersidewall. The rib is effective to prevent the housing from fullycollapsing.

[0070] Another embodiment of the valve 10 is illustrated if FIGS. 14-16.This embodiment also comprises valve member 20 having a duckbillmechanism. The valve 10 also has a slidable member mounted forreciprocating movement within the housing. Thus, the valve member 20comprises a pore member 112. The pore member 112 has a central portion114 which opens by dilating. The central portion 114 is at leastsubstantially sealed in the closed condition and responsive to theexternal force provided by the user wherein the dilating central portion114 expands to allow the flow of fluid substance to pass therethrough.

[0071] The central portion 114 includes an inwardly tapered, flexibleduckbill 116. The inwardly tapered, flexible duckbill 116 has a hingeportion 118 joined to the sidewall 12 and a separable slit 119 locatedwithin the passageway 24 and apart from the inner wall 22. The separableslit 119 is at least substantially sealed when the valve member 20 is inthe closed condition.

[0072] The valve member 20 further comprises a piston 120 and a venthole 122. The piston 120 is at least substantially sealed against theinner wall 22 of the medical tubing 10 and slidable within thepassageway 24 in response to the external force provided by the user.The vent hole 122 is located between piston 120 and the pore member 112and passes through the sidewall 12 of medical tubing 10. A hydrophobicfilter 123 is located within the vent hole 122 to prevent the fluidsubstance from leaking out of the medical tubing 10 through the venthole 122.

[0073] The piston 120 includes a central chamber 124, a retainer 126, atubular member 128, and an elastic member 130. The central chamber 124passes through an interior portion of the piston 120 and includesinwardly tapered walls 132. The inwardly tapered walls 132 cooperatewith the inwardly tapered, flexible duckbill 116 to seal the separableslit 118 when the valve member 20 is in the closed condition. Thus, thetapered, flexible duckbill 116 fits snug within the central chamber 124so that the central chamber 124 provides a force for maintaining theseparable slit 118 at least substantially sealed.

[0074] The retainer 126 is located upstream of the central chamber 124towards the distal end 16 of the medical tubing 10. The retainer 126extends inwardly from the inner wall 22 of the sidewall 12 into thepassageway 24 and includes a plurality of flow holes 134 and a centralhole 136. The purpose of the retainer 126 is to support the tubularmember 128 within the passageway 24.

[0075] The tubular member 128 has a first end 138 and a second end 140.The first end 138 is frictionally supported by the central hole 136 ofthe retainer 126 and slidable therethrough. The second end 140 isfixedly attached to the piston 120. In the open condition, the fluidsubstance travels through the inwardly tapered, flexible duckbill 116,the central chamber 124, and the tubular member 128.

[0076] The elastic member 130 provides a biasing force on the piston 120so that the separable slit 118 is at least substantially sealed withinthe central chamber 124. The elastic member 130 is preferably a springwound about the tubular member 128 and compressible against the retainer126.

[0077] The valve 10 further has a slidable member 133 mounted forreciprocating movement within the housing and in response to a pressureapplied to the housing. The slidable member is moveable from a firstposition contacting the valve member to retain the valve member in aclosed position to a second position where the valve member moves to theopen position. The slidable member defines a fluid flow paththerethrough. The elastic member 130 biases the slidable member in afirst position. The slidable member has a seal having a chamber forengaging a portion of the valve member. The duckbill valve member has asloping outer surface. The seal has a chamber having inwardly taperedwalls dimensioned to fit over the duckbill valve sloping outer surface.

[0078] In use, the user draws inwardly on the distal end 16 so that avacuum pressure is created within the passageway 24. The vacuum pressurepasses through the flow holes 134 in the retainer 126 and causes thepiston 120 to move upstream towards the distal end 16 against thebiasing force provided by the elastic member 130. The sealing forceprovided by the central chamber 124 on the separable slit 118 isremoved, and the flow of the fluid substance travels from the proximalend 14 through the pore member 112, the central chamber 124, and thetubular member 128 to the distal end 16.

[0079] Another embodiment is illustrated in FIGS. 17-20. In thisembodiment, the valve member 20 includes a flexible bladder 140. Theflexible bladder 140 is responsive to a vacuum pressure provided by theuser to the distal end 16 of the medical tubing 10. The valve 10 has ahousing 11 having an inner surface defining a passageway between anoutlet opening and an inlet opening for a flowable material to passtherethrough.

[0080] The valve member 20 of this embodiment comprises the flexiblebladder 140, a retainer 144, and a support member 146. The flexiblebladder 140 is generally a pressurized vessel which elongates inresponse to the vacuum pressure provided by the user to actuate thevalve member 20 and transfer the valve member 20 to the open condition.The flexible bladder 140 is deflectable to be spaced away from the innerwall 22. The flexible bladder 140 includes a sealing ring portion 148which forms at least a substantially fluid-tight seal in cooperativeengagement with a portion of the inner wall 22 of the medical tubing 10when the valve member 20 is in the open condition. A stem 150 forattaching the flexible bladder to the retainer 144 extends downstreamtoward the proximal end 14 of the medical tubing 10.

[0081] The retainer 144 is located downstream of the flexible bladder140 and extends inwardly from the inner wall 22 of the medical tubing 10into the passageway 24. A plurality of flow holes 152 in the retainer144 allow the flow of fluid substance to pass through the retainer 144.The stem 150 of the flexible bladder 144 is attached to a centralportion of the retainer 144.

[0082] The support member 146 prevents the flexible bladder 44 fromover-elongation towards the distal end 16 and prevents the distal end 16of the medical tubing 10 from collapsing on itself in response to thevacuum pressure provided by the user Accordingly, the support member 146extends along a length of the inner wall 22 from the flexible bladder144 to the distal end 16. The support member 146 generally comprises aplurality of ribs 154 extending inwardly from the inner wall 22 whereina cross-sectional area of the passageway 24 is decreased by theplurality of ribs 154.

[0083] Another embodiment is illustrated in FIGS. 21-23. In thisembodiment, the valve member 20 includes a poppet, spool, or plunger160. The plunger 160 is responsive to a vacuum pressure provided by theuser. The valve member 20 of this embodiment further comprises a plungerhousing 162 and a vent hole 164 passing through the sidewall 12 of thehousing.

[0084] The plunger 160 is mounted within the plunger housing 162 and isslidable therein. The plunger 160 has a fluid passage 166 which isobstructed so that it is at least substantially sealed against a portionof the plunger housing 162 when the valve member 20 is in the closedcondition. The fluid passage 166 is unobstructed and aligned with thepassageway 24 to allow the flow of fluid substance to pass therethroughwhen the valve member 20 is in the open condition.

[0085] The plunger housing 162 includes a vacuum chamber 168 and a ventchamber 170. An elastic member 172 is generally mounted within thevacuum chamber 168 to bias the plunger 160 towards the vent chamber 168wherein the fluid passage 166 is obstructed against a portion of theplunger housing 162. The elastic member 172 is preferably a compressionspring. The vent hole 164 is located within the vent chamber 168.

[0086] The distal end 16 of the tubing of this embodiment includes avacuum duct 174 and a fluid duct 176. The vacuum and fluid ducts 174,176 are located within the passageway 24 between the valve member 20 andalong a length of the distal end 16. The fluid passage 166 of theplunger 160 is aligned with the fluid duct 176 when the valve member 20is in the open condition. The vacuum duct 174 is aligned with the vacuumchamber 168.

[0087] The housing 162 may have a first fluid conduit in fluidcommunication with the housing. The plunger 160, or valve member 160 ismounted for reciprocating movement within the housing. The valve member162 defines a second fluid conduit therethrough. The valve member 162 ismoveable from a first position where the first fluid conduit issubstantially concentrically disposed with respect to the second fluidconduit to provide a third fluid conduit (FIG. 23) through the housingto a second position where the first fluid conduit is not in fluidcommunication with the second fluid conduit (FIG. 22). The vacuum duct174, or vacuum conduit 174 is in fluid communication with the housing.

[0088] In this embodiment, the external force provided by the user is avacuum pressure. The vacuum pressure is applied through the vacuum duct174. The vacuum pressure causes the plunger 160 to compress the elasticmember 172 and the fluid passage 166 is aligned with the passageway 24so that the flow of the fluid substance can travel through the tubing tothe user. Thus, the valve member 160 is responsive to a negativepressure applied to the housing through the vacuum conduit to move thevalve member from the second position to the first position. A biasingmember 172 in the form of a spring biases the valve member 160 in thesecond position. The valve member 160 divides the housing into anexpansion chamber and a vacuum chamber. The vacuum duct is in fluidcommunication with the vacuum chamber.

[0089] Another embodiment is illustrated in FIGS. 24-26. In thisembodiment, the valve member 20 includes a mechanical gate mechanism 180responsive to an external force provided by the user. The valve 10 has ahousing defining a passageway between an outlet opening and an inletopening for a flowable material to pass therethrough. The housing has aninner surface.

[0090] The valve member 20 of this embodiment further comprises a port182, a vent hole 184 passing through the sidewall 12 of the tubing, andan elastic member 186. The vent hole 184 includes a hydrophobic filter188.

[0091] The gate 180 includes a first portion 190 and a second portion192. In the closed condition, the first portion 190 forms at least asubstantially fluid-tight seal in the port 182, and the second portionforms at least a substantially fluid-tight seal with the inner wall 22of the medical tubing 10 so that a vacuum chamber 194 is formed. Thevent hole 184 is located within the vacuum chamber 194.

[0092] The first and second portions 190, 192 of the gate 180 areseparated by a hinge member 196. The hinge member 196 is pivotablyattached to a portion of the sidewall 12. Accordingly, the hinge member196 is attached to the sidewall 12 at a fulcrum 198 which extendinwardly from the inner wall 22 into the passageway 24.

[0093] The elastic member 186 is for biasing the gate 180 so that thevalve member 20 is biased in the closed condition. The elastic member186 is fixedly attached to the second portion 192 of the gate 180 andthe inner wall 22 of the medical tubing 10. Thus, the elastic member 186of this embodiment is preferably a return spring.

[0094] In use, the user draws inwardly on the distal end 16 of themedical tubing 10. The vacuum pressure causes the second portion 192 ofthe gate 180 to move upstream towards the distal end 16 and against thebiasing force provided by the elastic member 186. Thus, the gate 180pivots upon the fulcrum 198. The valve member 20 is, thus, in the opencondition where the first portion 190 moves downstream towards theproximal end 12, and the seal in the port 182 is released so the flow ofthe fluid substance can pass through the passageway 24. When the vacuumpressure is removed, the gate 180 returns to its original position, andthe valve member 20 returns to the closed condition.

[0095] The valves 10 of the present invention have a broad variety ofuses and applications. The valve 10 is ideal for using with hot or colddrinks, as well as non-carbonated drinks. The valves 10 can be connectedto a drink container. Users can easily carry such a container on theirperson. Containers holding, for example, juice or milk, can also be usedfor children and infants. The containers can also have a hanger memberto hang a container using a valve 10. The containers can be used in anumber of different recreational settings. The containers are also idealwhen taking part in active sporting activities. Uses also comprehendedby the scope of the invention include storage and dispensing ofindustrial chemicals, medicaments or any other flowable material.

[0096] It will be understood that the invention may be embodied in otherspecific forms without departing from the spirit or centralcharacteristics thereof. The present embodiments, therefore, are to beconsidered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive, and theinvention is not to be limited to the details given herein.

What is claimed is:
 1. A valve comprising: a housing having an outletchamber defining an outlet opening, the housing further having a firstretainer spaced from a second retainer defining an intermediate chambertherebetween, the first retainer having a central opening and the secondretainer having a central opening, the housing further having an inletchamber defining an inlet opening; diaphragm positioned within theintermediate chamber defining a first chamber and a second chamber, thesecond chamber having a vent; a plunger connected to the diaphragm andslidably supported by the central openings of the retainers, the plungerhaving a vacuum duct having a first end in communication with the firstchamber and a second end in communication with the outlet opening, theplunger further having a passageway having a first end and a second endin communication with the outlet chamber; wherein the diaphragm ismoveable from a first position wherein the first end of the passagewayis obstructed and a second position wherein the first end of thepassageway is in communication with the inlet chamber wherein a flowablesubstance can flow from the inlet chamber to the outlet chamber throughthe passageway and wherein the diaphragm is moveable by a partial vacuumapplied through the vacuum duct.
 2. The valve of claim 1 wherein thefirst end of the passageway is obstructed by the second retainer whenthe diaphragm is in the first position.
 3. The valve of claim 1 whereinthe plunger has a head portion that engages the second retainer when thediaphragm is in the first position.
 4. The valve of claim 1 wherein thediaphragm biases the plunger to the first position.
 5. A valvecomprising: a sidewall; a first retainer comprising a first opening; asecond retainer comprising a second opening, the sidewall and the firstand second retainers defining a housing; a flexible diaphragm locatedwithin the housing, responsive to an external force, and dividing thehousing into first and second chambers, the first chamber including avent; and a plunger fixedly connected to the flexible diaphragm andresponsive to a movement of the flexible diaphragm, the plunger slidablysupported by the first and second openings in the first and secondretainers, respectively, and located at least partially within thehousing, the plunger including a vacuum passage and a fluid passage, thefluid passage sealable against a portion of the first retainer and thevacuum passage in communication with the second chamber wherein a vacuumpressure provided via the vacuum passage causes the movement of thediaphragm.
 6. A valve comprising: a housing defining a passagewaybetween an outlet opening and an inlet opening for a flowable materialto pass therethrough, the housing having an internal wall dividing thepassageway into a first chamber and a second chamber, the internal wallhaving an inner opening communicating the first chamber and a secondchamber, the housing further having an aperture in communication withthe first chamber; a diaphragm connected to the housing at the aperture;a stop connected to the diaphragm, the stop passing through the internalopening and having a flange in sealing contact with the inner opening;the diaphragm being deflectable from a first position to a secondposition, wherein when the deflectable member is in the first position,the stop is in sealing contact with the inner opening to close the inneropening, and when the diaphragm is in the second position, the stop isspaced from the second opening to open the inner opening wherein theflowable material is allowed to pass through the passageway.
 7. Thevalve of claim 6 wherein the diaphragm is sensitive to an indexpressure, the first chamber being subject to a second pressure, thediaphragm being deflectable from the first position to the secondposition when the second pressure is less than the index pressure. 8.The valve of claim 6 wherein the diaphragm is domed shape.
 9. The valveof claim 6 wherein the stop has a plunger having an elongated taperedlength.
 10. The valve of claim 6 wherein the inner opening has a taperedinner surface, the stop member having a curved peripheral surface thatis spaced from the tapered inner surface when the diaphragm is in thesecond position.
 11. The valve of claim 6 wherein the diaphragm ismovable from the first position to the second position by a partialvacuum applied through the passageway.
 12. The valve of claim 6 whereinthe diaphragm is adapted to be depressed by a user to place thediaphragm in the second position.
 13. A valve comprising: a housinghaving a proximal end, a distal end, a fluid passageway, and a sidewallhaving an outer sidewall surface, an inner sidewall surface; a valvemember positioned in the fluid passageway in an intermediate portion ofthe housing; and a first support member attached to the inner sidewallsurface and extending along a portion of the housing, the support memberbeing coactive with deflection of the sidewall to control the opening ofthe valve member.
 14. The valve of claim 13 wherein the support membercomprises a rib.
 15. The valve of claim 14 wherein the rib extends fromproximate the proximal end to proximate the valve member.
 16. The valveof claim 13 further comprising a second support member.
 17. The valve ofclaim 16 wherein the housing has a substantially circularcross-sectional shape and wherein the second support member iscircumferentially spaced from the first support member.
 18. The valve ofclaim 14 wherein the rib has a generally arcuate longitudinal-section.19. The valve of claim 14 wherein the rib increases in height from aminimum height to a maximum height and wherein the maximum height isproximate the proximal end.
 20. The valve of claim 13 wherein the ribhas lateral edges that taper inwardly and upwardly as the rib extendsaway from the inner sidewall.
 21. The valve of claim 13 wherein thevalve member can be moved from a closed position to the open position inresponse to a force applied to the sidewall of the housing.
 22. Thevalve of claim 13 wherein the rib is effective to prevent the housingfrom fully collapsing.
 23. The valve of claim 13 wherein the valvemember has an inlet and an outlet and can be moved from the closedposition to the open position in response to applying a negativepressure to the outlet.
 24. The valve of claim 13 wherein the valvemember is a duckbill type valve.
 25. A valve comprising: a housinghaving a fluid passageway, a proximal end and a distal end and asidewall having an outer sidewall surface and an inner sidewall surface;and a valve member positioned in the fluid passageway in an intermediateportion of the housing and being responsive to a deflection in thesidewall to open the valve member.
 26. The valve of claim 25 wherein thevalve member can be opened by applying a negative pressure to theoutlet.
 27. The valve of claim 25 wherein the valve member is a duckbilltype valve.
 28. A valve comprising: a housing; a valve member positionedin the housing and moveable from an open position where fluid can flowthrough the housing to a closed position where fluid cannot flow throughthe housing; and a slidable member mounted for reciprocating movementwithin the housing and in response to a pressure applied to the housing,the slidable member being moveable from a first position contacting thevalve member to retain the valve member in a closed position to a secondposition where the valve member moves to the open position.
 29. Thevalve of claim 28 wherein the slidable member defines a fluid flow paththerethrough.
 30. The valve member of claim 28 further comprising anelastic member in cooperative engagement with the slidable member tobias the slidable member in a first position.
 31. The valve member ofclaim 28 wherein the slidable member has a seal having a chamber forengaging a portion of the valve member.
 32. The valve member of claim 28wherein the valve member is a duckbill valve having a sloping outersurface.
 33. The valve member of claim 31 wherein the seal has a chamberhas inwardly tapered walls dimensioned to fit over the duckbill valvesloping outer surface.
 34. A valve comprising: a housing having an innersurface defining a passageway between an outlet opening and an inletopening for a flowable material to pass therethrough; a flexible bladderpositioned within the passageway, the flexible bladder having a firstposition wherein the bladder is in sealing engagement with the innersurface preventing flow of material, the bladder further having a secondposition wherein the bladder is spaced from the inner surface whereinflowable material is allowed to pass through the passageway.
 35. Thevalve of claim 34 wherein the flexible bladder has a sealing ring withinthe bladder.
 36. The valve of claim 34 further comprising a retainerengaging the inner surface, the retainer having a stem connected to theflexible bladder.
 37. The valve of claim 36 wherein the retainer has aplurality of holes therethrough.
 38. The valve of claim 34 wherein theflexible bladder is a pressurized vessel.
 39. The valve of claim 34further comprising a support member extending into the passageway fromthe inner surface and positioned between the flexible bladder and theoutlet.
 40. The valve of claim 39 wherein the support member comprises aplurality of ribs.
 41. The valve of claim 34 wherein the flexiblebladder moves from the first position to the second position by apartial vacuum applied through the passageway from the outlet.
 42. Thevalve of claim 34 wherein the housing comprises a tube.
 43. A tubing fordelivering a fluid substance from a container to a user, the tubingcomprising: a passageway having a proximal end and a distal end, and anintermediate segment therebetween, wherein a fluid substance can flowthrough the passageway from the proximal end to the distal end; and avalve member located along the intermediate segment, the valve memberhaving a closed condition wherein a flow of the fluid substance from theproximal end to the distal end is stopped and an open condition whereinthe flow of the fluid substance from the proximal end to the distal endis unstopped, the valve member being biased in the closed condition andresponsive to an external force provided by the user for placing thevalve member in the open condition, the valve member comprising aflexible bladder responsive to the external force supplied by the userwherein the flexible bladder forms a substantially fluid-tight seal withthe passageway when the valve member is in the closed condition.
 44. Avalve comprising: a housing; a first fluid conduit in fluidcommunication with the housing; a valve member mounted for reciprocatingmovement within the housing, the valve member defining a second fluidconduit therethrough and moveable from a first position where the firstfluid conduit is substantially concentrically disposed with respect tothe second fluid conduit to provide a third fluid conduit through thehousing to a second position where the first fluid conduit is not influid communication with the second fluid conduit; and a vacuum conduitin fluid communication with the housing and wherein the valve member isresponsive to a negative pressure applied to the housing through thevacuum conduit to move the valve member from the second position to thefirst position.
 45. The valve of claim 44 further comprising a biasingmember for biasing the valve member in the second position.
 46. Thevalve of claim 44 wherein the valve member divides the housing into anexpansion chamber and a vacuum chamber.
 47. The valve of claim 44wherein the vacuum conduit is in fluid communication with the vacuumchamber.
 48. The valve of claim 45 wherein the biasing member ispositioned in the vacuum chamber.
 49. The valve of claim 44 wherein thebiasing member is a compression spring.
 50. A valve comprising: ahousing having a passageway having an inlet opening and an outletopening, and an intermediate segment therebetween, wherein a flowablematerial can flow through the passageway from the inlet opening to theoutlet opening; and a stop having a channel therethrough, the stop beingmoveable in the intermediate segment from a first position wherein thechannel and not aligned with the inlet opening and the outlet opening,to a second position wherein the channel is aligned with the inletopening and the outlet opening wherein flowable material can flowthrough the passageway, the stop being biased to the first position; avacuum chamber located in the intermediate segment; a vacuum duct incommunication with the vacuum chamber wherein a partial vacuum appliedto the vacuum duct moves the stop to the second position whereinflowable material can flow through the passageway.
 51. A valvecomprising: a housing defining a passageway between an outlet openingand an inlet opening for a flowable material to pass therethrough, thehousing having an inner surface; a gate hingedly connected to the innersurface, the gate having a first position wherein the gate is in sealingengagement with the inner surface wherein the flowable material cannotflow through the passageway, the gate being biased to the firstposition, the gate having a second position wherein the flowablematerial can flow through the passageway, the gate being movable to thesecond position by a partial vacuum applied through the passageway. 52.A valve comprising: a housing defining a passageway between an outletopening and an inlet opening for a flowable material to passtherethrough, the housing having an inner surface, the passageway havinga first chamber and a second chamber and an interface area therebetween;a gate having a first portion and a second portion, the gate beinghingedly connected to the inner surface at the interface area at alocation between the first portion and the second portion, the gatehaving a first position wherein the first portion of the gate is insealing engagement with the inner surface to seal the first chamberwherein the flowable material cannot flow through the passageway, thegate having a second position wherein the first portion is spaced awayfrom the inner surface wherein the first chamber is in communicationwith the second chamber wherein the flowable material can flow throughthe passageway, an elastic member having one end connected to the innersurface at the second chamber and another end connected to the secondportion biasing the gate to the first position, a first chamber portionof the housing at the first chamber, the second portion of the gate andthe elastic member collectively defining a vacuum chamber within thesecond chamber, the first chamber portion having a vent, wherein apartial vacuum applied to the first chamber moves the gate to the secondposition.
 53. A tubing for delivering a fluid substance from a containerto a user, the medical tubing comprising: a passageway having a proximalend and a distal end, and an intermediate segment therebetween wherein afluid substance can flow through the passageway from the proximal end tothe distal end; and a valve member located along the intermediatesegment, the valve member having a closed condition wherein a flow ofthe fluid substance from the proximal end to the distal end is stoppedand an open condition wherein the flow of the fluid substance from theproximal end to the distal end is unstopped, the valve member beingbiased in the closed condition and responsive to an external forceprovided by the user for placing the valve member in the open condition,the valve member comprising a port located within the passageway, a gateresponsive to the external force provided by the user, a vacuum chamber,and a vent passing through the sidewall and located within the vacuumchamber, the gate having a first portion, a second portion, and a hingemember, the first and second portions separated by the hinge member, thefirst portion biased to form a substantially fluid-tight seal in theport, the second portion biased to form the vacuum chamber within thepassageway, the hinge member moveably attached to a portion of thesidewall.
 54. A flexible tubing for delivering a fluid substance from acontainer to a user, the tubing comprising: a proximal end; a distalend; an intermediate segment between the proximal end and the distalend; a passageway between the proximal end and the distal end wherein afluid substance can flow from the proximal end to the distal end; and avalve member located along the intermediate segment, the valve memberhaving a closed condition wherein a flow of the fluid substance from theproximal end to the distal end is stopped and an open condition whereinthe flow of the fluid substance from the proximal end to the distal endis unstopped, the valve member being biased in the closed condition andresponsive to an external force on the tubing provided by the user forplacing the valve member in the open condition.
 55. A tubing fordelivering a fluid substance from a container to a user, the tubingcomprising: a proximal end; a distal end; an intermediate segmentbetween the proximal end and the distal end; a passageway between theproximal end and the distal end wherein a fluid substance can flow fromthe proximal end to the distal end; and a valve member located along theintermediate segment, the valve member having a closed condition whereina flow of the fluid substance from the proximal end to the distal end isstopped and an open condition wherein the flow of the fluid substancefrom the proximal end to the distal end is unstopped, the valve memberbeing biased in the closed condition and responsive to an external forceprovided by a user in the form of a partial vacuum provided by the userthrough the passageway for placing the valve member in the opencondition.
 56. The tubing of claim 55 wherein the valve member includesa pore, the pore having a dilating central portion, the central portionsubstantially sealed in the closed condition and responsive to theexternal force provided by the user wherein the dilating central portionexpands to allow the flow of fluid substance to pass therethrough whenthe external force is supplied by the user, and the valve member is inthe open condition.
 57. The tubing of claim 54 wherein the dilatingcentral portion of the pore includes an inwardly tapered, flexibleduckbill, the inwardly tapered, flexible duckbill having a hinge portionjoined to the sidewall of the medial tubing and a separable slit locatedwithin the passageway of the tubing and apart from the inner wall, theseparable slit being substantially sealed when the valve member is inthe closed condition, the hinge being responsive to the external forcewherein a portion of the inwardly, tapered flexible duckbill isdisplaced inwardly upon application of the external force, and theseparable slit parts to allow the flow of fluid substance to passtherethrough.
 58. The tubing of claim 55 wherein the external force is apartial vacuum pressure provided by the user.
 59. The tubing of claim 58wherein the sidewall of the tubing partially collapses in response tothe vacuum pressure supplied by the user, the portion of the inwardly,tapered flexible duckbill being displaced inwardly upon application ofthe vacuum pressure, and the separable slit parting in response thereto.60. The tubing of claim 58 further comprising a support member locatedwithin the passageway of the tubing, the support member for preventingthe tubing from total constriction in response to the vacuum pressureprovided by the user.
 61. The tubing of claim 61 wherein the supportmember is joined to the inner wall and between the valve member and thedistal end of the tubing.
 62. The tubing of claim 57 wherein the valvemember further includes a piston and a vent, the vent passing throughthe sidewall of the tubing and located between the inwardly tapered,flexible duckbill and the piston, the piston being responsive to theexternal force provided by the user.
 63. The tubing of claim 62 whereinthe piston is located between hinge and the distal end of the tubing.64. The tubing of claim 62 wherein the piston has a central chamberpassing therethrough, the separable slit of the inwardly tapered,flexible duckbill located within the central chamber wherein the centralchamber provides a force for maintaining the separable slitsubstantially sealed when the valve member is in the closed condition.65. The tubing of claim 62 wherein the piston includes an elastic memberfor biasing the piston toward the inwardly tapered, flexible duckbill.66. The tubing of claim 62 wherein the valve member includes a retainerand a tubular member, the retainer located downstream of the piston andhaving a hole therethrough and the tubular member having a first endfrictionally engaging the hole of the retainer and slidable therethroughand a second end joined to the piston, the elastic member locatedbetween the retainer and the piston.
 67. The tubing of claim 62 whereinthe piston traverses towards the distal end of the tubing and away fromthe inwardly tapered, flexible duckbill in response to the externalforce provided by the user, the force provided by the central chamber ofthe piston being removed from the separable slit wherein the separableslit parts to allow the flow of fluid substance to pass therethrough.68. The tubing of claim 66 wherein the retainer includes a peripheralopening apart from the central hole for allowing the external forceprovided by the user to act upon the piston.
 69. The tubing of claim 62wherein the vent includes a hydrophobic filter.
 70. The tubing of claim55 wherein the valve member includes plunger having a fluid passagetherethrough, the fluid passage obstructed when the valve member is inthe closed condition, the plunger slidable within the valve member andresponsive to the external force supplied by the user wherein the fluidpassage is unobstructed in the open condition to allow the flow of fluidsubstance to pass therethrough.
 71. The tubing of claim 70 wherein thevalve member includes a plunger housing within the passageway, theplunger located within the plunger housing and forming a substantiallyfluid-tight seal therewith and slidable therein in response to theexternal force provided by the user.
 72. The tubing of claim 71 whereinthe valve member includes an elastic member for biasing the plunger sothat the fluid passage is obstructed against a portion of the plungerhousing in the closed condition.
 73. The tubing of claim 71 wherein theplunger housing includes a vent passing through the sidewall of themedical tubing.
 74. The tubing of claim 72 wherein the plunger housingincludes a vacuum chamber and a vent chamber, the elastic member beinglocated within the vacuum chamber and the vent being located within thevent chamber.
 75. The tubing of claim 71 wherein the fluid passage issubstantially sealed against a portion of the plunger housing when thevalve is in the closed condition.
 76. The tubing of claim 75 furthercomprising a vacuum duct and a fluid duct, the vacuum and fluid ductslocated within the passageway between the valve member and the distalend of the tubing wherein the fluid passage of the plunger is alignedwith the fluid duct when the valve member is in the open condition. 77.The tubing of claim 76 wherein the vacuum pressure is applied throughthe vacuum duct.
 78. The tubing of claim 75 wherein the plunger isforced against and contracts the elastic member in response to thevacuum pressure wherein the fluid passage is aligned with the fluid ductand the flow of fluid substance passes therethrough.
 79. The tubing ofclaim 55 wherein the valve member includes a flexible bladder responsiveto the external force supplied by the user.
 80. The tubing of claim 79wherein the flexible bladder forms a substantially fluid-tight seal witha portion of the valve member when the valve member is in the closedcondition.
 81. The tubing of claim 80 wherein the valve member includesa retainer extending inwardly from the inner wall of the tubing, theretainer having flow holes therethrough, a portion of the bladder beingjoined to the retainer.
 82. The tubing of claim 81 wherein the externalforce provided by the user is a partial vacuum pressure.
 83. The tubingof claim 79 wherein the flexible bladder deflects along a length of thepassageway in response to the vacuum pressure.
 84. The tubing of claim79 wherein the flexible bladder includes a sealing ring and the valvemember includes a receiver for accepting the sealing ring, the sealingring and the receiver cooperating to form the substantially fluid-tightseal when the valve member is in the closed condition.
 85. The tubing ofclaim 79 further comprising a support member extending along a length ofthe inner wall from the valve member to the distal end of the medicaltubing.
 86. The tubing of claim 79 wherein the support member comprisesa plurality of ribs extending inwardly from the inner wall wherein across-sectional area of the passageway is decreased by the plurality ofribs.
 87. The tubing of claim 55 wherein the valve member has a portlocated within the passageway, a gate responsive to the external forceprovided by the user, a vacuum chamber, and a vent passing through thesidewall and located within the vacuum chamber, the gate having a firstportion, a second portion, and a hinge member, the first and secondportions separated by the hinge member, the first portion biased to forma substantially fluid-tight seal in the port, the second portion biasedto form the vacuum chamber within the passageway, the hinge membermoveably attached to a portion of the sidewall.
 88. The tubing of claim87 wherein the portion of the sidewall includes a fulcrum, the hingebeing moveably attached to the fulcrum wherein the gate pivots about thefulcrum.
 89. The tubing of claim 88 wherein the valve member includes anelastic member for biasing the gate.
 90. The tubing of claim 89 whereinthe elastic member is fixedly attached to a portion of the gate.
 91. Thetubing of claim 90 wherein the elastic member provides a force forreturning the valve member to the closed condition from the opencondition.
 92. The tubing of claim 88 wherein the fulcrum extendsinwardly from the sidewall of the medical tubing and into thepassageway.